Best Real Estate Agents in Austin, TX: Top Agents for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

What do real estate agents do?

Real estate agents guide buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating clients through property transactions, they combine market knowledge, negotiation skills, paperwork coordination, and local networks to get deals closed. Below are common tasks a regular agent performs.

Core services for buyers (home search, market analysis, negotiations)

• Initial buyer consultation to set priorities, budget, and must-haves
• Market research and comparable sales analysis
• On‑market and off‑market property sourcing
• Scheduling showings and private tours
• Crafting and presenting offers, negotiating price and terms
• Coordinating inspections, appraisals, and lender communications
• Managing contingencies through closing

Core services for sellers (pricing, marketing, showings, offers)

• Home valuation and pricing strategy
• Staging guidance, professional photography, and listing creation
• Targeted marketing across buyer channels
• Hosting open houses and private showings
• Screening buyers, reviewing and negotiating offers
• Coordinating inspections, repairs, and closing logistics

Services for investors and short‑term rental clients (cash‑flow modeling, local regs)

• Cash‑flow and cap‑rate modeling
• Analysis of local rental demand and seasonal performance
• Guidance on local short‑term rental rules, HOA limits, and permitting
• Portfolio acquisition and disposition strategies

Relocation and remote‑transaction support (virtual tours, local vendor network)

• Virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and digital offer presentations
• Relocation logistics and neighborhood orientation
• Local vendor referrals for inspections, contractors, and movers
• Coordination of remote closings and document signing

How agents are typically compensated (commission structures and common fees)

• Traditional: percentage commission split between buyer and seller sides, typically 2.5–3% per side
• Flat fee models: defined, transparent seller fees that can save sellers thousands
• Buyer-side: often no direct fee from buyer, buyers pay indirectly via seller-paid commission unless negotiated
• Additional costs: marketing, staging, and administrative fees may be charged depending on agent or brokerage

Best real estate agents in Austin, TX

Who this list is for

This list is for relocating buyers, local buyers, sellers, investors, short‑term rental operators, and luxury buyers looking for top local representation in Austin.

Specialties and market segments represented

Agents below cover luxury estates, waterfront and Hill Country homes, central Austin and neighborhood expertise, condos and new construction, investment properties, and some commercial and mixed‑use experience.

Selection criteria — what “best” means

• Documented track record of sales volume and closed transactions
• Neighborhood knowledge and ability to source off‑market inventory
• Client satisfaction, testimonials, and professional reputation
• Relevant specialties for your needs, like luxury, waterfront, investor expertise

How to interpret the data shown for each agent

Look for sold price vs. list price ratios, days on market, transaction volume and recency. High sold/list ratios and short days on market indicate strong pricing and marketing performance, while transaction volume signals experience and capacity.

1. TurboHome (Why It’s #1)

We’re a modern brokerage offering a flat fee seller option and full‑service buyer representation, we combine local experienced agents with AI tools to lower cost and increase win rates.

• Offerings:
  • Flat seller fee model, fees as low as $5,000 depending on region
  • Buyer consultations, AI‑driven property search assistant (TESSA), same‑day private tours
  • Unlimited valuation reports and property risk assessments
  • Offer strategy meetings, rebate options to boost offers or lower cash to close
  • End‑to‑end contract‑to‑close coordination
• Pros:
  • Significant average savings versus percentage commissions, average saving ≈ $35,000
  • High responsiveness and dedicated local agents with 500+ transactions each
  • AI tools to find on‑market and off‑market matches fast
  • Use rebate to strengthen offers or buy down rate
  • Nationwide coverage with strong Austin presence, $181M in transactions this year
• Cons:
  • Tours may be performed by different agents across regions
  • Less frequent in‑person meetings in some markets, more digital coordination

2. Kumara Wilcoxon

Market leader in Austin luxury sales, exceptional global network and Sotheby’s affiliation.

• Offerings:
  • Luxury sales and marketing, off‑market sourcing, global buyer network
  • Concierge service and high‑end presentation
• Pros:
  • Extraordinary sales volume and global reach
  • Deep expertise in West Austin, Lake Austin, and high‑end estates
• Cons:
  • Focus on high‑end listings may not suit middle‑market buyers or sellers
  • Availability can be limited due to high demand

3. Joanie Capalupo

High‑volume, relationship‑driven agent with broad market experience across price points.

• Offerings:
  • Volume sales, negotiation expertise, buyer and seller representation
  • Financially savvy market analysis
• Pros:
  • Decades of experience and strong referral base
  • Skilled with middle‑to‑upper market pricing and negotiations
• Cons:
  • Not exclusively a luxury specialist, may lack boutique luxury marketing packages

4. Kathryn Scarborough

Specialist in luxury and waterfront estates, known for off‑market access and concierge service.

• Offerings:
  • High‑end estate marketing, private listings, waterfront expertise
  • Concierge client service and global marketing
• Pros:
  • Strong off‑market reach for discreet transactions
  • Deep waterfront and estate knowledge
• Cons:
  • Service model tailored to high‑net‑worth clients, not ideal for entry‑level markets

5. Wende Parks

Lake Travis and central Austin specialist with record sales and luxury experience.

• Offerings:
  • Waterfront and luxury home sales, project guidance for condo developments
  • High‑quality visuals and marketing for premium listings
• Pros:
  • Proven ability to close high‑dollar waterfront deals
  • Strong neighborhood knowledge and lifestyle orientation
• Cons:
  • Best suited for waterfront and luxury neighborhoods, less focused on low‑price segments

6. Eric Moreland

Longstanding waterfront specialist with a businesslike, methodical approach.

• Offerings:
  • Waterfront property sales, investment counsel, relationship service
• Pros:
  • Decades of consistent performance and Elite 25 pedigree
  • Strong negotiation discipline and risk‑aware guidance
• Cons:
  • Specialized focus on premium waterfront properties

7. Andrew Ware

Agent with legal background, good for complex transactions and risk management.

• Offerings:
  • Legal insight into contracts, boutique client advocacy, luxury listings
• Pros:
  • Attorney experience helps avoid contract pitfalls
  • Strong attention to detail in negotiation and closing
• Cons:
  • Smaller team model may mean less marketing horsepower for very large listings

8. Greg Walling

Deep local roots, community integrated agent experienced in Central and West Austin markets.

• Offerings:
  • Neighborhood expertise, buyer orientation, luxury community sales
• Pros:
  • Long local residency and strong neighborhood insights
  • Clients praise responsiveness and drama‑free service
• Cons:
  • Geographic focus may limit reach for buyers looking outside core areas

9. Shivraj Grewal

Rising star and co‑owner of a customer‑service focused group, strong for culturally diverse and relocating clients.

• Offerings:
  • Personalized buyer and seller service, rising‑market tactics, multilingual outreach
• Pros:
  • High client care, patience for first‑time buyers and relocators
  • Innovative team approach and growing off‑market network
• Cons:
  • Smaller cumulative track record compared with long‑tenured top producers

10. Will Steakley

Developer and luxury market practitioner, strong for development, contemporary design, and downtown properties.

• Offerings:
  • Development expertise, luxury listings, downtown and Westlake properties
• Pros:
  • Strong development and entrepreneurial background
  • Good fit for sellers of unique or development‑oriented properties
• Cons:
  • Best suited for higher‑end and development projects, less focused on entry‑level transactions

How to choose the right Austin agent for your situation

Priorities for relocating and out‑of‑state buyers

• Local neighborhood orientation, virtual tour capabilities, timing and temporary housing support
• Quick access to off‑market listings and strong vendor network

Priorities for first‑time buyers and local buyers

• Patience, education on financing programs, negotiating skill in competitive offers
• Transparent communication and clear step‑by‑step guidance

Priorities for sellers (maximizing price, speed to close, marketing)

• Strong comparative market analysis, professional photography, and targeted marketing
• Agent network to surface competing offers quickly

Priorities for investors and STR operators

• Cash‑flow modeling, local regulations for STRs, cap rate focus and tenant screening support

Priorities for luxury and high‑net‑worth transactions

• Discrete marketing, global buyer outreach, concierge transaction management

Priorities for commercial and mixed‑use buyers

• Experience with zoning, permitting, and returns analysis, plus connections to commercial lenders and attorneys

Key questions to ask when interviewing agents

Questions about recent sales and neighborhood experience

• Ask for recent comparable sales in your target neighborhood, ask about off‑market deals they handled

Questions about negotiation approach and handling multiple offers

• Ask how they structure offers to win, whether they use escalation clauses, and how they vet buyer strength

Questions about communication, availability, and team support

• Ask who you’ll reach for day‑to‑day questions, expected response times, and escalation paths

Questions about fees, dual agency, and disclosures

• Confirm fee structure in writing, disclose any dual representation, and request full disclosure statements

Questions about vendors (lenders, inspectors, title) and closing support

• Request vetted vendor lists and ask how they coordinate with title, lender and inspectors to avoid delays

Metrics and proof you should request from agents

Comparable sales and sold price vs. list price evidence

• Request the specific comparables used to price your home and recent sold/list ratios

Days on market, sales volume, and transaction recency

• Ask for average days on market for their listings and their closing cadence over the past 12 months

Verifiable client testimonials and references

• Request recent client references and situational examples you can call or email

Examples of marketing (photos, staging, online ad placements)

• Ask to see full marketing packages and analytics on ad reach and lead sources

Licenses, certifications, awards, and professional affiliations

• Confirm active license, specialized certifications (e.g., CRS, SRS), and any professional awards

Austin‑specific knowledge every top agent should have

Neighborhood insights (East Austin, Zilker, Mueller, West Lake, etc.)

• Micro‑trends in each neighborhood, resale patterns, and buyer demographics

School zones, commute patterns, and lifestyle fit

• How school boundaries affect values and commute times during peak hours

Flood zones, permitting, and local zoning quirks

• Knowledge of Austin floodplain maps, permit timelines, and ADU or lot‑split rules

Short‑term rental and HOA rules in Austin neighborhoods

• Austin and HOA‑specific STR regulations, permit requirements and enforcement trends

Local tax, appraisal, and development trends

• How appraisal season and local development projects are shifting values block by block

How top agents handle competitive Austin market scenarios

Buyer strategies for bidding wars and low‑inventory markets

• Pre‑inspection, lender pre‑approval, escalation clauses, and seller‑friendly timing terms

Seller strategies to attract multiple strong offers

• Targeted pricing, professional staging, high‑impact marketing launch and open house strategies

Common contract tactics (escalation clauses, inspection/financing contingencies)

• Use escalation clauses carefully, balance inspection and financing contingencies to manage risk

Timing strategies for relocations and lease‑end deadlines

• Align listing and offer timelines with lease expirations and moving windows to reduce double housing costs

Negotiation and closing — what differentiates high‑performing agents

Creating compelling offer packages and seller presentations

• Strong pre‑approval letters, personal buyer letters when appropriate, and concise evidence of buyer ability to close

Managing inspections, repairs, and renegotiations

• Use repair allowances, targeted trade vendor quotes, and firm negotiation playbooks to keep closings on schedule

Coordinating with lenders, title, and attorneys to avoid delays

• Active project management, daily follow‑ups in final weeks, and proactive escalation of potential issues

Red flags and warning signs when choosing an agent

Unverifiable claims or lack of recent sales data

• If an agent can’t produce recent closings or references, that’s a red flag

Poor communication or evasive answers about process

• Delayed responses or vague timelines indicate potential problems during negotiations

High‑pressure tactics, hidden fees, or vague contracts

• Demanding immediate signature without clear fee disclosures is a warning sign

No local knowledge of Austin‑specific issues

• Agents unfamiliar with flood zones, school boundaries or STR rules are risky hires

Costs, commissions, and what’s typically included in agent services

Typical commission ranges and how commissions are split

• Traditional seller commission often around 5–6% total, split between listing and buyer brokers, flat fee models replace that with a set seller charge

Marketing and staging costs sellers should expect

• Professional photos, staging and premium listing placement may be additional or included depending on agent

Buyer‑side costs, rebates, and fee negotiations

• Buyers typically pay no direct agent fee, some brokerages offer rebates or credit toward closing costs as negotiated

When additional fees or vendor costs may apply

• Specialized marketing, inspection repairs, or concierge services may incur extra charges

How to verify reviews, references, and past transactions

Where to check online reviews and public transaction records

• Cross‑check multiple review platforms and request transaction references that can be verified via public property records

Questions to ask client references (situational examples)

• Ask about timelines, communication cadence, negotiation outcomes and any surprises during closing

Spotting fake or biased reviews and how to confirm authenticity

• Look for recent, detailed reviews, request names of past clients and verify by searching county records or asking for transaction addresses

Common scenarios and agent matchups (who excels at what)

Best agent traits for fast‑moving competitive buys

• Quick responsiveness, strong lender partnerships, creative offer structuring, and local off‑market access

Best agent traits for maximizing sale price in high‑end listings

• Global marketing, concierge staging, private buyer outreach and a network of high‑net‑worth buyers

Best agent traits for buy‑and‑hold rental investors

• Data‑driven cash‑flow analysis, tenant demand understanding, and local property management referrals

Best agent traits for condo buyers and HOA navigation

• Experience with condo docs, HOA rules, resale history and lender acceptance for specific condo projects

Conclusion & Next Steps

Ready to save on your Austin home purchase? Get started with TurboHome

1. Fill out your information by clicking GET STARTED below
2. Your TurboHome team will give you a call to learn more about your goals
3. Sign your representation agreement
4. Fill out your buyer profile (So we can get started house‑hunting for you)
5. Find & Buy your dream home while saving thousands!